How do asthma patients correctly use a nebulizer for drug inhalation treatment?

Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease, and patients often need to inhale drugs through a nebulizer to relieve symptoms. However, the correct use of the nebulizer is crucial to the treatment effect. This article will explore in depth how asthma patients can use the nebulizer correctly, including the types of nebulizers, drug selection and usage techniques, in order to provide comprehensive and novel popular science knowledge for patients, their families and medical staff.

1. Types of atomizers:

1.1 Compressed air atomizer:

Compressed air nebulizer is one of the most widely used nebulizers. It uses compressed air to atomize liquid medicine into tiny particles, which are convenient for patients to inhale into their lungs. This nebulizer is simple and easy to use and suitable for home use. Patients only need to put the medicine into the nebulizer cup, connect the pipe, and press the switch to complete the nebulization treatment.

1.2 Ultrasonic nebulizer:

Ultrasonic nebulizer uses ultrasound to oscillate the drug liquid into particles to form atomization. It is suitable for some drugs that require more precise atomization. It has the characteristics of small size and low noise, suitable for patients to use in any occasion. When using it, the patient needs to pour the drug into the medicine tank of the ultrasonic nebulizer and start the device for atomization treatment.

2. Choice of drug:

2.1 Bronchodilators:

Bronchodilators are one of the most commonly used nebulized drugs for asthma patients, including short-acting β2 receptor agonists and long-acting β2 receptor agonists. These drugs can dilate the bronchi, relieve asthma symptoms, and improve the patient's breathing comfort. When using bronchodilators, patients should determine the dosage according to the doctor's advice and strictly follow the instructions for use of the nebulizer.

2.2 Glucocorticoids:

Glucocorticoids are important drugs used to control asthma inflammation. When using glucocorticoids, patients can add the drugs to a nebulizer for inhalation therapy to reduce the occurrence of systemic side effects. Before using glucocorticoids, patients should carefully read the doctor's prescription to ensure that they understand the correct usage and dosage.

2.3 Antibiotics and anti-infective drugs:

During an acute asthma attack, if there is an infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics or anti-infective drugs. Patients need to follow the doctor's advice to dissolve and atomize the drugs before inhaling them to increase the effect of the drugs reaching the lesions directly and reduce the side effects of systemic medications.

3. Usage tips and precautions:

3.1 Hand washing and preparation:

Before using the nebulizer, the patient should wash his hands first to ensure the hygiene of the operation. Prepare the nebulizer, medicine and cleaning tools, and keep the environment clean to help improve the treatment effect.

3.2 Investigate the atomizer:

Patients need to carefully check the status of the device before using the nebulizer to ensure that the nebulizer cup, pipeline and other parts are not damaged. If any problems are found, they should be replaced or repaired in time to avoid affecting the atomization effect of the drug.

3.3 Correct dosing:

When adding the medication prescribed by the doctor into the nebulizer cup, the patient should add it accurately according to the dosage of the medication. Avoid excessive or insufficient medication to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment.

3.4 Inhalation process:

During inhalation, patients need to take a deep breath and ensure that each inhalation goes as deep into the lungs as possible. At the same time, exhalation should be slow and even to ensure that the drug has enough time to deposit in the respiratory tract.

3.5 Cleaning after inhalation:

After using the nebulizer, the patient needs to clean all parts of the nebulizer in time to avoid residual drugs and bacterial growth. Regularly replace the nebulizer cup, pipeline and other vulnerable parts to keep the equipment in good condition.

4. The role of medical staff:

4.1 Professional guidance and training:

Medical staff should provide professional guidance and training when patients first come into contact with the nebulizer. They should explain in detail how to use the nebulizer, the choice of drugs and precautions, to ensure that patients can complete the nebulization treatment correctly and independently.

4.2 Regular follow-up and evaluation:

Medical staff need to follow up and evaluate asthma patients regularly to understand the changes in the patient's condition and the effect of treatment. According to the patient's specific situation, the type and dosage of the drug should be adjusted in time to ensure the continued effectiveness of the treatment.

4.3 Psychological support:

Asthma patients often experience anxiety and depression. Medical staff need to provide psychological support to patients while providing nursing services. By establishing good communication and trust with patients, they can help them better cope with the disease and improve their compliance with treatment.

In short, by using the nebulizer correctly, asthma patients can better control their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Patients and their families should pay close attention to the guidance of medical staff and master the correct usage skills. When providing nursing services, medical staff should develop personalized nursing plans based on the individual differences of patients to provide patients with more comprehensive and warm nursing services. Through scientific nursing methods, we can jointly promote the recovery of asthma patients and improve their quality of life.

Author: Ma Han, head nurse of the fifth respiratory department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University